The obvious tool for hotel room cooking is an immersion heater. However, most accommodations already have an appliance that you can use to cook simple meals - the coffee pot. Here are some tips that could save you money on your next trip.

Although eating out at restaurants is a treat that we all enjoy while on vacation, it can make your expenses soar. This article presents a few tips for using your hotel room's coffee maker to prepare meals and snacks.

A note about restaurant meals: Lunch entrees are often cheaper for the same quantity and quality of food offered at supper. If you eat out once daily, try to plan your activities around a nutritious midday meal.

Cautionary Advice

• Practice your recipes at home in order to estimate cooking times and evaluate results.

• Before using a coffee maker, clean it carefully. Coffee-flavored pork and beans might not be what you want for supper.

• A dark reddish-orange stain or a chemical smell in the room could be an indication that someone has cooked meth in the pot. <em>Do not use it. It could be hazardous to your health.</em>

• Avoid trying to cook anything that might set off the smoke alarm.

• Clean up your mess. Don't expect housekeeping staff to be good-natured about dirty dishes in the sink or a coffee maker that needs extensive cleaning before it can be used by the next guest.

Three Methods

There are three methods for cooking with a standard coffee maker. You can also use the first two with Keurig machines.

1. Cooking food in the coffee carafe or a large heat-resistant container.

2. Placing food directly on the burner.

3. Using the basket for steaming.

Cooking Food in the Carafe

• You might get better results by removing the basket or swinging it out of the way.

• In most cases, it's best to let the water drip through; then remove the excess to prevent overflow. Alternatively, fill the reservoir with the desired quantity of water before turning on the machine.

(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and all active links are included. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com)